Farnham Town have appointed Dave Ward as manager for the rest of the season, following the sudden resignation of Andy Nunn two weeks ago.

Five applicants for the job were assessed at a committee meeting last week and Ward was judged to be the best man for the job – on a majority decision.

Ward's application was strengthened by a letter of support from the players. "The players are a hundred per cent behind Dave and so we have appointed him until the end of the season, when the situation will be reviewed," said a club spokesperson.

Ward served as club coach under Nunn, having filled the same role when Peter Browning was in charge. When Browning resigned, Ward followed him to Sandhurst, but accepted an invitation from Nunn to return to the Memorial Ground for the start of last season.

The pair formed a successful partnership and Farnham, having finished second from bottom of the Combined Counties League in the 2000-01 season, rose to a creditable mid-table position last campaign.

Which is why Ward feels he has unfinished business at Farnham. "I'm keen to continue what we started," he said. "I was as surprised as anyone when Andy told us he was packing it in. I knew things were bothering him, but I had no idea that was coming.

"We had pulled new players in and although they have showed the right technical ability, there was a question-mark over their heart and commitment. This is what I will be working on."

Ward (44) has limited experience as a manager, but there is no doubting his coaching credentials. A former central midfielder with several clubs, notably Sutton, Molesey and Uxbridge, he hold a Coaching Certificate Level 2 and served four years at the Tottenham Centre of Excellence where Ben Thatcher was one of several promising young players to pass through his hands.

Ward has always had a good rapport with his players and he certainly knows how to hone their skills. Whether he can motivate them to produce consistent results on the pitch remains to be seen.

l Paul Tanner and Joe Carey will continue to run Farnham Reserves and Simon Musselwhite carries on as assistant to the new manager.